Andrel Anthony fitting in at Oklahoma, perfecting deep ball with Dillon Gabriel
When wide receiver Andrel Anthony entered the transfer portal in December 2022, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was the first coach to reach out to him.
Anthony and Lebby go way back. The offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, Lebby recruited Anthony out of East Lansing (Mich.) High School. Lebby recognized Anthony’s speed and thought he would be a good fit in Ole Miss’ up-tempo offense. Anthony ended up deciding to stay home in Michigan, but the two found each other again two years later when Anthony decided to transfer from Michigan.
“It was cool because he was literally the first person to contact me when I got in the portal, like a minute later,” Anthony said Monday. “Just the opportunity. The fast tempo. A lot of plays. It’s like the coaches really trust the players to make plays here. That’s what I love. That’s all I can ask for… Growing up, Michigan was my dream school. But looking at it — Oklahoma was a great fit.”
For Lebby, it was a no-brainer, too.
“I saw top-end speed. I was very familiar with Andrel in my last stop. And I recruited him out of high school. So there was some familiarity there,” Lebby said. “And then when he got in the portal, I have some really close connections at Michigan and was able to reach out and talk to some people inside the building — they didn’t want to lose him. They loved him. They wanted him there.
“Felt like he was going to be a starter for them. He needed to change. Wanted a scheme change I think as much as anything. Got on the phone and everything checked out. Knew he was going to be a guy that played with really good length and really good top-end speed and that’s what we need.”
Anthony showcased that speed on Saturday, catching a 45-yard pass on the fourth play of the game. He finished with three receptions for 66 yards but should have had more if it weren’t for a couple of pass-interference calls.
Anthony was running past defenders, leaving Arkansas State no choice but to tackle him.
“It is kind of frustrating but at the same time, like, it happens. It’s a part of the game,” Anthony said. “And I was talking to my dad about it as well, I wish they would incorporate more of a spot foul. Eliminate those in a sense. At the same time, it’s about the next play, go get the next one. That’s how I look at it.”
Anthony is sure to have plenty more opportunities, with Lebby’s offense priding itself on “scoring from far.” Anthony’s play style didn’t exactly fit at Michigan, which is a slower-paced team built on its running game. And now he has one of the best deep ball throwers in college football as his quarterback in Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel and Anthony have been working on their chemistry since Anthony arrived on campus in January. And they believe it will only get better as the season progresses.
“That’s eight months together of being close and working at it,” Gabriel said. “Time does do wonders and hard work and putting it in together. But that’s a testament to who he is and always hitting me up — he’s that type of guy. I’m excited for him.”
Gabriel helped recruit Anthony to Oklahoma, reaching out to him while he was in the portal. He had seen Anthony’s film and knew he could be a perfect piece in OU’s offense.
“I knew of him. Just being a fan of college football, watching it. But once I knew we were going after him, I definitely hit him up real quick and was excited to get going with him,” Gabriel said. “He’s longer than you think on film. He’s a lot taller than I would imagine… Just seeing him play really fast and be good in and out of his breaks. I think that’s a great combination being good size, really fast and agile.”
Anthony’s role will likely only increase this season. He’s already a starter and he’s sure to see more balls come his way, after an impressive first game. And he’ll be ready when those balls do find him.
“Everything from all the stress from the portal and all the work and all that,” Anthony said, “That’s what I want and that’s going to happen a lot more.”
The post Andrel Anthony fitting in at Oklahoma, perfecting deep ball with Dillon Gabriel appeared first on On3.
